TWI571207B - Cold weather formulation for conditioning animal feed - Google Patents

Description

Cold weather formulation for conditioning animal feed

The present invention relates to a liquid formulation for conditioning animal feed.

Most animal husbandry uses granular feed. Granulation is the process of converting a powdered feed (powder) into small particles having all the nutrients required by the animal. The manufacture by granulation from the feedstock typically accounts for from 60% to 70% of the cost of preparing the animal feed. Finding ways or modifications that reduce the cost of feed manufacturing without reducing feed quality has become one of the most important areas of research in the livestock industry. Several studies have shown that granulation can improve feed conversion by up to 12%. This improvement in performance is attributed to feed wastage, component separation, and energy consumption during animal feeding (Behnke, KC, 1994, "Factors affecting pellet quality", pp. 44-54, Proc. Maryland Nutr. Conf. Feed Manuf. , College Park, MD. Maryland Feed Ind. Council and Univ. Maryland, College Park. Briggs; JL, DE Maier, BA Watkins and KC Behnke, 1999, "Effect of ingredients and processing parameters on pellet quality", Poult. Sci. 78:1464-1471). Durable particles reduce waste, reduce separation, improve palatability and allow more food to be consumed in a shorter period of time. The chicken fed with powdered food was eaten 14.3% of the time in 12 hours per day, compared with 4.7% of the 12 hours in the day fed with the pelleted feed (Jensen L., LHMerill, CVReddy) And J. McGinnis, 1962, "Observations on eating Patterns and rate of food passage of birds fed pelleted or unpelleted diets", Poult. Sci. 41: 1414-1419).

The granulation process requires a conditioning step involving steam to gelatinize the starch in the feed and produce a better bond, thereby increasing the durability of the granules. Starch gelatinization is a process in which water in the form of steam diffuses into the starch granules and causes swelling (Parker, R. and SGRing, 2001, "Mini Review: Aspects of the Physical Chemistry of Starch", J. Cereal Sci. 34 :1-17). When the gelatinized starch cools, it forms a gel that acts as an adhesive, causing particle binding (Lund, D., 1984, "Influence of time, temperature, moisture, ingredients and processing conditions on starch gelatinization", CRC Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 20: 249-273). The addition of a high water content also reduces the initial temperature required to effect gelatinization of the starch. Gelatinized starch has been generally considered to improve enzymatic proximity to glucosidic bonds and thus improve digestibility in animals (Parker, R. and SGRing, 2001, "Mini Review: Aspects of the Physical Chemistry of Starch", J. Cereal Sci. 34: 1-17).

Feed pellets can be damaged during loading, unloading, storage, transport, and transfer to the feeder. The processing and transportation of feed usually results in a reduction in the percentage of intact granules, an increase in broken granules and an increase in feed fines. It is believed that for every 10% increase in feed fines, there is a little loss of feed conversion, and then more feed needs to be eaten to produce the same amount of meat (McKinney et al., 2004: Harper). The present invention provides excellent particulate properties wherein the percentage of feed concentrate is reduced by at least 10%, more typically by 15% to 20%, compared to a water treated control sample.

During conditioning, the steam adds up to 6% moisture to the feed. through The percentage of moisture added to the feed by steam increases the powder temperature by about 23 ° C, which improves the conditioning process by optimizing granulator operation and particle durability (Fairfield, D., 2003 "Pelleting for Profit- Part 1", Feed and Feeding digest 54 (6) 2003). When the particles cool, the added moisture is lost. Several studies have shown that adding water in addition to added water during conditioning can improve granulation (Fairchild, F. and D. Greer, 1999 "Pelleting with precise mixer moisture control", Feed Int. 20(8): 32 -36; Moritz, JS, et al., 2003 "Feed manufacture and feeding of rations with graded levels of added moisture formulated at different densities", J. Appl. Pout. Res. 12: 371-381). Motitz et al. and Hott et al. report that PDI increases and energy consumption are reduced by adding 2.5% to 5% moisture to the corn-soybean-based feed in the mixer (Moritz, JS et al., 2001, "Effect of moisture addition" At the mixer to a corn-soybean-based diet on broiler performance", J. Appl. Poult. Res. 10: 347-353; Hott et al., 2008, "The effect of moisture addition with a mold inhibitor on pellet quality, Feed manufacture and broiler performance", J. Appl. Poult. Res. 17: 262-271).

Adding moisture to the feed in the mixer is shown to improve the quality of the pellets and reduce the energy consumption of the pelletizer. It has also been found that the addition of moisture reduces the temperature difference ΔT between the conditioned powder and the hot particles, indicating a reduction in mold wear. The moisture added to the feed in the mixer participates in various heat related reactions such as starch gelatinization, resulting in an increase in PDI. This moisture is not as easy to remove from the particles as the moisture added during the conditioning process. However, extra moisture can migrate to the surface of the particles. It can lead to significant molding hazards. The use of surfactants in moisture additives promotes water absorption into the powder, thereby reducing the risk of forming.

Animal feed manufacturers currently use water, which does not penetrate completely into the powder. It has been found that the addition of a nonionic surfactant improves the water permeability, thereby improving particle quality and granulation parameters. For poultry and pig farms, the demand for fungicides is not economically important because the feed is consumed within 3 to 5 days of manufacture and is not time consuming.

The present invention is a highly concentrated formulation of ethoxylated castor oil plus chemicals to prevent damage from extreme cold temperatures. Because the surfactant formulation is so concentrated and its transportation and processing costs are lower, the blender provides a significant cost advantage in operating in cold climates.

Ethoxylated castor oil emulsifiers are produced by the reaction of castor oil with ethylene oxide. Ethoxylated castor oil emulsifiers have various chain lengths depending on the amount of ethylene oxide used during the synthesis. The molar ratio can be varied between 1 molecule and 200 molecules of ethylene oxide in one molecule of castor oil to produce a castor oil emulsifier according to the formula PEG-x (polyethylene glycol, where x is the number of ethylene oxide moieties) Named ethoxylated castor oil emulsifier (Fruijtier-Polloth, C., 2005, "Safety assessment on polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and their derivatives as used in cosmetic products", Toxicology 214: 1-38). These emulsifiers have been widely used to dissolve water-insoluble drugs in human and animal treatment. It is a non-volatile stabilizing compound that does not hydrolyze or deteriorate upon storage.

Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis and consists mainly of ricinoleic acid, isoricinoleic acid, stearic acid and trihydroxystearic acid triglyceride. Castor oil is 90% ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxyoleic acid), a non-toxic, biodegradable and renewable resource. Other emulsifiers of similar nature may be derived from different oils such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, tall tree oil and other vegetable oils. Synthetic emulsifiers can also be used as long as they are approved for use in animal feed.

Several PCT applications have applied for the use of ethoxylated castor oil surfactants in feed ingredients and in complete feeds.

WO 99/60865 relates to the use of a surfactant-water emulsion added to animal feed before or after heat treatment. The emulsion helps maintain or reduce water loss during heat treatment. The emulsion consists of from 1 part to 8 parts water and from 0.005 parts to 0.5 parts surfactant, and has a melting point greater than 15 °C. The present invention is a solution rather than an emulsion and remains as a clear solution at the solidification temperature.

Patent WO 97/28896 teaches an aqueous mixture of molasses, fat, oil, acid and water containing ethoxylated castor oil as a dispersing agent to prevent separation of the mixture. The present invention does not contain molasses and uses selected types of ethoxylated castor oil (PEG-40, PEG-60) to improve the properties of cold weather while maintaining granulation efficiency.

WO 96/11585 discloses animal feeds comprising a polyethylene glycol compound comprising an ethoxylated castor oil having a molecular weight of from 5,000 to 11,000. In one embodiment, the ethoxylated castor oil of the present invention has 60 ethoxylated molecules and a molecular weight of 3,700 to 3,850.

WO 95/28091 describes the addition of ethoxylated castor oil to conventional dry animal feeds, which is said to improve the availability of nutrients, increase animal growth and reduce mortality. The ethoxylated castor oil has 8 to 35 ethoxylates The catalyzed molecule is different from the ethoxylated castor oil having 40 to 60 ethoxylated molecules in the present invention.

US 6,482,463 discloses an ethoxylated castor oil for use in animal feed to improve the availability of nutrients. The ethoxylated castor oil is said to help form fatty micelles in the intestine, thus improving fat digestion/absorption. The typical inclusion rate in the feed is 100 ppm ethoxylated castor oil, compared to 11 ppm to 23 ppm in the present invention. The present invention improves the granulation process efficiency and particle quality at the recommended inclusion rate, but does not have a significant impact on the availability of nutrients.

The above-mentioned patents describe the addition of an ethoxylated castor oil surfactant preferably in the form of an emulsion to improve the digestibility of hydrophobic materials in animal feed, but such feeds are not provided for the manufacturing process during formulation. Benefits such as reduced energy consumption, improved particle quality or even high solubility in cold weather.

The present invention provides a concentrated surfactant solution that is resistant to harsh temperature changes and that improves milling efficiency and particle quality when added to the feed prior to granulation.

A number of patents and publications are cited in this specification. The disclosures of each of the documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a formulation for improving the granulation process and/or extrusion process of animal feed.

Another object is to provide a method of making a granular animal feed, which package Containing: preparing a concentrated solution or a stock solution comprising: a) 20 wt% to 50 wt% of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and mixtures thereof, b) 15 wt% to 30 a wt% ethoxylated castor oil surfactant having a HLB of 4 to 18 and a molar ratio of 1 molecule castor oil to 40 molecules to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide, c) 0 wt% to 20 wt% Propylene glycol, d) 0 wt% to 50 wt% water, adding 5 parts to 200 parts of water to prepare a heat-treated composition, and applying an effective amount of the heat-treated composition to animal feed, and heating sufficiently to granulate or extrude the feed system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a granular animal feed prepared by the following process, comprising: preparing a concentrated solution or a stock solution comprising: a) 20 wt% to 50 wt% selected from formic acid, acetic acid, An organic acid consisting of propionic acid, butyric acid, and mixtures thereof, b) 15 wt% to 30 wt% of an ethoxylated castor oil surfactant having an HLB of 4 to 18 and a molecular weight of 40 molecules of castor oil To a molar ratio of 60 molecules of ethylene oxide, c) 0 wt% to 20 wt% of propylene glycol, d) 0 wt% to 50 wt% of water, adding 5 parts to 200 parts of water to prepare a heat-treated composition, and Applying an effective amount of the heat-treated composition to the animal feed, heating it sufficiently to feed the feed Granulation or extrusion.

Benefits of the present invention include (i) a percentage improvement in feed concentrate of at least 5%, preferably at least 15% or 40%, compared to a water treated control sample. (ii) The energy consumption is improved by at least 10%, preferably by at least 20% or 25%, compared to the water treated control sample. (iii) The granule moisture is improved by at least 0.4%, preferably by at least 0.5% or 0.6%, compared to the water treated control sample.

Most importantly, the present invention greatly reduces the problem of storage solution storage and storage as it remains in a dissolved state up to a temperature of about -10 ° C to -15 ° C or lower. It does not have antifungal activity, which is not required for animal farms and pet food companies, but it retains the advantages of good gelation, high particle quality and low energy consumption during granulation or extrusion.

The present invention is a mixture of an ethoxylated fatty acid surfactant and an excipient which is stable at cold temperatures, allowing it to be used in northern captivity operations under harsh winter conditions. At the same time, the mixture provides excellent particle quality (starch gelation, particle durability, water retention) and feed plant parameters (feed processing, energy consumption).

definition

The "percent by weight" of a component is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition comprising the component.

"Organic acids" include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and other C ₁ to C ₂₄ fatty acids, and one of C ₁ to C ₂₄ fatty acids, glycerides, diglycerides or triglycerides.

The term "effective amount" means an amount capable of performing a function or having the properties exhibited by an effective amount, such as an amount that is non-toxic but sufficient to provide the desired degree of granulation or grinding. The effective amount can be determined by a general practitioner using only routine experimentation.

When the feed is granulated, steam is injected into the powder, and then the granules are granulated. In the extruded feed, steam is injected under pressure into the powder, followed by extrusion of the cake and subsequent granulation. The extruded feed is not as dense as the powder.

The formulation of the present invention may vary not only in the concentration of, for example, the major components of the organic acid, but also by adding or removing one type of organic acid and/or one type of surfactant and/or one type of shaping. Modification of the agent.

The terms "synergistic effect" and "synergistic effect" mean an improved granulation effect when compared to individual components when the ingredients are added as a mixture.

Composition

In general, the stock solution contains: a) 20 wt% to 50 wt% of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and mixtures thereof, b) 15 wt% to 30 wt% An ethoxylated castor oil surfactant having a HLB of 4 to 18 and a molar ratio of 1 molecule castor oil to 40 molecules to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide, c) 0 wt% to 20 wt% of propylene glycol, d 0 wt% to 50 wt% of water, to which 5 parts to 200 parts of water (preferably 10 parts to 15 parts) are added to prepare a heat-treated composition immediately before use; and then an effective amount of the heat is applied The composition is treated to animal feed and heated sufficiently to granulate the feed.

The surfactant is a nonionic ethoxylated castor oil compound having 40 to 60 ethylene molecules normally distributed around an average value (preferably an average of 60) and having 4 to 18, preferably 13 To 16 HLB. The surfactant concentration in the stock solution is from 15 wt% to 30 wt%, preferably from 20 wt% to 25 wt%.

In order to dissolve the ethoxylated castor oil and keep it dissolved at a low temperature, the stock solution contains 20 wt% to 50 wt% of an organic acid, preferably 10 wt% to 30 wt%. Exemplary acids include acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. The composition may also contain 0 wt% to 50 wt% of water, preferably 20 wt% to 35 wt%; and 0 wt% to 50 wt% of propylene glycol, preferably 20 wt% to 35 wt%.

The composition is diluted with 5 parts to 200 parts of water to form a heat-treated composition which is an aqueous mixture of 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably a mixture of 0.5 wt% to 10 wt%. The acid of a) may be buffered or unbuffered. The buffering agent can be calcium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide.

The heat-treated composition is applied to the animal feed in an amount of from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%, preferably from 1 wt% to 10 wt%, based on the weight of the starting animal feed. More preferably, the aqueous mixture is applied to the non-granular feed in an amount of from 1 wt% to 5 wt% or from 1 wt% to 3 wt%, based on the total feed.

method

The present invention maintains the moisture content of the granular feed higher than that of the untreated feed or the feed produced by the conventional granulation method. The aqueous mixture of the invention is applied to the feed ingredients prior to entering the mixer. The aqueous mixture can be applied to the unmixed feed ingredients in a mixer, or mixed Applied during the feed ingredient and can be applied during the wet mixing loop.

The aqueous mixture of the present invention is applied by a nozzle to provide a consistent and uniform distribution of the mixture in the feed.

Example 1

The purpose of these experiments was to select ethoxylated castor oil derivatives which reduced the surface tension of water and were stable in a mixture of buffered organic acids.

The effect of the ethoxylated castor oil product on the surface tension of water was compared to polysorbate 80. The surfactant was added to a concentration of 10% in water and the surface tension was measured on a Fisher Surface Tensiomat Type 21. The surface tension measurements of these 10% solutions are as follows:

It was observed that all surfactants substantially reduced the surface tension of water. The surfactant is added to a concentration of 0.5 wt% or 2.25 wt% in two different buffer mixtures (mixture S or H) of the organic acid. Visual inspection was performed at room temperature to record any precipitation or solubility issues. The results are as follows:

CO-200 did not remain soluble at 0.5% or 2.25% in either buffered acid solution.

Example 2

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the solubility of several nonionic surfactants when added to a mixture of buffered organic acids stored at different temperatures. As in Example 1, buffered acid mixtures S and H were used in combination with Tmaz or castor oil surfactants Protachem CO-60, Stepantex CO-40 and Cremophor EL. The surfactant concentration was 2.25 wt%. Product stability was observed after storage of the mixture at -20 ° C, 1 ° C, 50 ° C and room temperature for 7 days.

The ethoxylated castor oil surfactant appears to be stable when mixed in a buffered acid mixture S and stored at different temperatures. In mixture H, exposure to elevated temperatures results in product separation problems other than CO-60.

Example 3

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of the surfactant:acid ratio on the surface tension of water and its miscibility in the product of Example 2. Ethoxylated castor oil CO-300 has also been tested. The water surface tension was measured on buffered acid mixtures S and H using a 5% surfactant. The miscibility of the samples was observed after heat shock treatment at 85 ° C for 15 minutes. This test resulted in precipitation of the surfactant.

The results of the heat shock test are as follows:

The mixture S and H containing the surfactant C-EL T-maz and CO-300 is turbid when heat shock. After cooling for 30 minutes, they all returned to clarification. Mixtures containing CO-40 or CO-60 ethoxylated castor oil give better stability.

Example 4

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the effect of CO-60 surfactant on grinding parameters and particle quality and compare T-maz and CO-60 using mixture S. Different surfactants were diluted in buffer (mixture S) or unbuffered (mixture A) organic acids to achieve an inclusion ratio of 2.25%. Mixture W is a mixture of aqueous plus surfactant.

The buffered or unbuffered mixture was sprayed at a 1% inclusion rate during the mixing loop (5:95 solution). The mixing loop consisted of 3 minutes of drying and 2 minutes of wet mixing. Each type of treatment was repeated three times. Repeat once a day for three days. The same type of feed was used for all treatments each day to reduce experimental variations. The feed factory manufacturing efficiency parameters and particle quality are reported in the following tables.

There was no difference in feed milling efficiency between the control and the other treatments, but the addition of the mixture to the feed in the feed improved the shrinkage of the product during cooling (i.e., better water retention). The water treated by the mixture S+CO-60 has a higher water retention than the same mixture containing Tmaz and is similar to other mixtures.

The mixture W containing CO-60 is also as effective as the acidic and buffered mixture. Since it was observed that the combination of water and CO-60 was as effective as the combined buffer or non-buffer acid, the following study was conducted to find concentrated formulations requiring less water.

Example 5

It was observed from Example 4 that the aqueous solution had the same grinding benefits as the buffered and acidic solutions. However, a 2.25 wt% aqueous solution of C-60 (mixture W) will solidify at low temperatures and the industrial preference concentration is above 2.25 wt% of the product. The following studies were conducted to formulate higher concentrations of anti-coagulation at low temperatures (-20 ° C). Ten formulations with different concentrations of acetic acid and propylene glycol were prepared and visually observed for turbidity and coagulation resistance.

Formulation #7 and Formulation #9 did not solidify at -20 °C, but showed some turbidity, but was selected for further study.

Example 6

Four different formulations were compared to sample #7 and sample #9 from Example 5.

Formulation #7 and Formula #13 did not solidify at -20 ° C, but showed some turbidity.

Example 7

Four new formulations were formulated with Formulation #7 and Formulation #13 from Example 6. Compared.

Formulation #13, Formulation #13A, Formula #13B, and Formula #13D did not solidify at -20 °C, and only Formulation #7 exhibited some turbidity.

Example 8

Formulation #13, Formula #13A, Formula #13B, and Formula #13D were sent to an external laboratory to determine the freezing point. Formulation #13B was observed to have the lowest freezing point.

Example 9

Based on the freezing point results from Study 8, Formulation #13B was selected for further study. This study shows two different formulations used in the following four studies. The dye is removed from the formulation and replaced with water. Mixture A is a commercially available product having similar characteristics to the present invention (Formulation #13B).

Example 10 to Example 13

These experiments show the effect of commercially available mixture A and inventive formulation #13B on polishing efficiency and particle quality. Mixture A and Formulation #13B were each diluted to a concentration of 5% and a concentration of 0.5% in water. The dilution is applied to different feed formulations via a hydraulic nozzle in a mixer. The feed is granulated and the manufacturing parameters are measured.

Formulation #13B is preferably compared to the commercially available mixture A for the amount of energy required for granulation. The water retention in the granules is similar and the percentage of free moisture (available water; Aw) is lower. From these four studies it can be concluded that Formulation #13B has properties similar to or better than the commercially available Mixture A, although the surfactant concentration in Storage Formula #13B is much higher and has a different composition.

Example 14 to Example 17.

In the present study, Formulation #13B was prepared using two different surfactants (polysorbate 80 (P-80) or ethoxylated castor oil CO-60). Formulation #13B was diluted and applied as in Study 10 to Study 13. These products were compared in terms of milling efficiency and particle quality with control feeds added with water. Four different feeds with different compositions were used in this study.

The use of these solutions during granulation (Formulation #13B (CO-60) or Formula #13B (Tmaz)) produced improvements similar to the water-only control feed in terms of milling efficiency and particle quality.

Example 18 - Example 25

These studies show the effect of Formulation #13B on milling efficiency and particle quality compared to untreated feed. Formulation #13B was diluted to 0.5% concentration in water and applied to different feed formulations via a hydraulic nozzle in a mixer. The feed is granulated and the manufacturing parameters are measured.

These results indicate that the addition of Formula #13B (0.5% strength) to the feed at 1% or 2% addition rate improves the milling efficiency and particle quality in the various feeds compared to the feed with only water.

Claims (26)

A stock solution for preparing granulated or extruded animal feed comprising: a) 20% to 50% by weight of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and mixtures thereof, b 15% to 30% by weight of an ethoxylated castor oil surfactant having a HLB of 4 to 18 and a molar ratio of 1 molecule castor oil to 40 molecules to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide, c) 5 wt% to 20 wt% % propylene glycol, d) 0 wt% to 50 wt% water, which is a solution having a freezing point of less than -15 °C. A stock solution as claimed in claim 1 is diluted in water to a mixture of from about 0.5% to about 2.0% by weight. A stock solution according to claim 1, wherein the heat-treated composition is applied to the animal feed in an amount of from 0.25 wt% to 10 wt%, based on the weight of the feed. A stock solution as claimed in claim 1 wherein a) contains acetic acid. A stock solution as claimed in claim 1 wherein a) contains butyric acid. Such as the stock solution of claim 1 of the patent range, wherein the acids of a) are unbuffered. A stock solution according to claim 1 wherein b) contains a second surfactant which is a nonionic type selected from the group consisting of polysorbates and polyoxyethylenes. Surfactant. A granular or extruded animal feed prepared by the following process, which comprises diluting the stock solution as claimed in claim 1 with 5 parts to 200 parts of water to prepare a heat-treated composition, and applying an effective amount The heat treatment composition is applied to animal feed or pet food and heated sufficiently to granulate or extrude the feed. A granular or extruded feed according to claim 8 wherein the heat-treated composition is applied to the animal feed in the form of a mixture of about 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of water. A granular or extruded feed according to claim 8 wherein the heat-treated composition is applied in an amount of from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%, based on the weight of the animal feed. A granular or extruded feed as claimed in claim 8 wherein a) contains acetic acid. A granular or extruded feed as claimed in claim 8 wherein a) contains propionic acid. Such as the granular or extruded feed of claim 8 wherein the acids of a) are unbuffered. A granular or extruded feed according to claim 8 wherein b) comprises a second surfactant which is a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polysorbates and polyoxyethylene. A method for preparing a granular animal feed or pet food, the method comprising: 1) diluting a stock solution with 5 parts to 200 parts of water to form a heat treatment group The stock solution contains: a) 20% by weight to 50% by weight of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and mixtures thereof, b) 15% by weight to 30% by weight of polysorbate 80 a surfactant, an ethoxylated castor oil surfactant having a molar ratio of 4 to 18 and 1 molecule of castor oil to a molar ratio of 40 to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide, or a mixture thereof, c) 5 wt% to 20 wt% Propylene glycol, and d) 0% to 50% by weight of water; 2) about 0.5% to 2.0% by weight of the heat-treated composition applied to animal feed or pet food; and 3) (i) sufficient heat to feed the animal Or granulating a mixture of pet food and the heat-treating composition to prepare granulated animal feed or pet food; or (ii) squeezing and subsequently granulating the treated animal feed or pet food with sufficient heat to prepare granules Animal feed or pet food. The method of claim 15, wherein the heat treatment composition is applied to the animal feed in water. The method of claim 15, wherein the heat-treated composition is applied in an amount of from 0.25 wt% to 20 wt%, based on the weight of the animal feed. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution contains acetic acid. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution contains propionic acid. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution contains butyric acid. The method of claim 15, wherein the organic acids of the stock solution are unbuffered. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution comprises a mixture of a polysorbate 80 surfactant and an ethoxylated castor oil surfactant. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution comprises 10 to 30 wt% of acetic acid, 22.5 wt% of polysorbate 80, and 15 wt% of propylene glycol. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution comprises 16.8 wt% acetic acid, 22.5 wt% polysorbate 80, and 15 wt% propylene glycol. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution comprises 10 to 30 wt% of acetic acid, and 22.5 wt% of an ethoxylated castor oil interface having a molar ratio of 1 molecule of castor oil to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide. Active agent and 15% by weight of propylene glycol. The method of claim 15, wherein the stock solution comprises 16.8 wt% acetic acid, and 22.5 wt% of an ethoxylated castor oil having a molar ratio of one molecule of castor oil to 60 molecules of ethylene oxide. And 15% by weight of propylene glycol.